A memorial altar was set up in the
funeral hall, in Tomobe Japan, for Morihiro Saito, Shihan.

The Saturday services were attended by some 500 persons, while Sunday
drew possibly well over 1000 mourners that paid their last respects to
one of Aikido's most treasured family members. Dignitaries from around
the world included Doshu, Aikikai Shihan, and Iwama Sempai, came to
honor Morihiro Saito.

Hitohiro Saito, Morihiro Saito's son and inheritor of the Iwama style,
and his family were deeply moved at the overwhelming multitudes of
Aikidoka in attendance.

Thank
you to Aviv Goldsmith for bringing to us the memorial and the picture.

Aikido Great Morihiro Saito Shihan passescourtesy of Stanley Pranin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of
Morihiro Saito Sensei in Iwama, Japan early Monday morning, May 13, 2002. Saito Sensei was
truly one of the giants of modern aikido and his strong presence will be sorely missed.
This editor was among the thousands of students touched
by Saito Sensei during his lifetime.

His son and successor Hitohiro Saito Shihan plans to hold a private funeral for family
members shortly and a formal ceremony to be held in Japan in about one month's time. He
asks that anyone planning to go to Japan to pay their respects attend the formal funeral
to be announced soon.